Cuff link or cuff button



Feb; 15, 1949.

c. l.' osTl-:RBERG CUFF LINK' OR CUFF BUTTON Filed April 20, 1948 A INVENTOR:

@arl I slferbezy JqTToRMn/s.

Patented Feb. 15, 1949 oUFF LINK R CUFF BUTTON Carl I. Osterberg, Providence, R. I., assigner to Arthur J. Schwartz, New York, N. Y.

Application April 20, 1948, Serial No. 22,187

11 Claims.

This invention relates to culi-links or cuifbuttons and consists in improvements in the construction and method of operation of the same. The invention is particularly directed. to a cuff-link or button having one or both of its heads swiveled to rock into alinement with the shank connecting the heads to adapt it for convenient insertion through or Withdrawal from the buttonholes of the cuil.

One object of the invention is to provide a cuff-link of the type indicated having a rockable head with means for positively locking it in perpendicular or right-angular relation to the shank of the cull-link, said locking means being manually-operable for releasing the head to permit it to rock into alinement with the shank.

Another object is to provide positive locking means for the head of the cuff-link which can only be released by manual sliding movement of the locking means in a direction perpendicular to the shank on which the head is pivotally mounted.

Another object is to provide a ycuff-link of the type indicated in which the locking means for the head may be operated manually by pressing it in either direction crosswise or laterally of the shank on which the head is pivoted.

Another object is to provide a cuil-link of the type` indicated in which the positive locking means is normally held against releasing movement by resilient means such as a spring or springs contained Within the head.

Another object is to provide a cuff-link having a pivoted 'head or heads' with the positive locking means therefor of simple construction, not subject to Wear or derangement and durable for long periods of use.

Further objects of the invention are set forth in the following specification which describes a preferred form of construction of the present improved cuff-link as illustrated by the accom- 'panying drawing. In the drawing:

2 means for the head in section on line 3-3 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 4 is a greatly enlarged side view of the rock-- able head of the cuff-link showing one arm or leg of the bifurcated shank as broken away to illustrate the pivotal mounting for the head;

Fig. 5 is a similar part-sectional view showing the slidable locking element for the rockable head which is manually operable to re1ease the locking means;

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the head taken in a median vertical plane and showing the heady locked in crosswise or perpendicular relation to the shank of the button;

Fig. 7 is a similar view showing the manually-operable locking element as slid to release the head and permit it to rock;

Fig. 8 is a similar View showing the head as unlocked and partially turned toward alinementy with the shank of the cuil-link or button;

Fig. 9 is a similar view showing the head unlocked and turned completely into alinement with the shank of the cuff-link or button; and

Fig. 10 is a sectional plan View of a portion of the head showing the spring-pressed plungers within the locking element as engaging against the ends of the inturned flanges at the sides of its central slot which restricts their motion under pressure of the springs and prevents them from engaging against the sides of the pivot-pin.

Heretofore in the present art various forms ,of cuff-links having rockable heads have been proposed and patented, but in most of these the head is maintained in crosswise relation to the shank of the lcuff-link or button under spring pressure; the head being rockable against tension of the springs which maintain it locked. That is to say, usually the heads are pivoted on pins or crossbars or polygonal or rectangular :cross-section with springs pressing against the flat sides of the pin to normally prevent the head from rocking about the pivot. With such a form of construction when the springs are relatively strong, considerable resistance is encountered to the rocking movement'of the head; whereas, when the springs are relatively weak, as they must be to provide for convenient manipulation of the head, the head becomes loose and shackly at its joint and the locking means therefor is less efficient. In the latter case the head may be rocked accidentally to cause release ofthe cuff-link from the cuff and sometimes loss thereof.

It is therefore an important object of the 3 present invention to provide a cuir-link or cuffbutton in which the head or crossbar at the end of the shank is locked positively against turning or rotating about its pivot unless or until the locking means is released by manual operation. Stated another way, in the present improved construction the rockable head of the culi-link is held positively and rigidly against pivoting until the manually-operable locking element is pressed by the fingers to release the lock. One

advantage of this form of construction is thaty it insures against the pivotally-mounted head on the cuff-link being rocked or turned on its pivot accidentally through contact withv another obvject; and further, it eliminates loose and shackly joints between the rockable head and its mounting on the shank of the cuff-link. With these objects and advantages in View the present improved cuff-link is preferably constructed as next described and illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

Fig. 1 of the drawing is a side View of a cufflink or button embodying the present invention and comprising a xed orv rigid head 2 shaped, for example, like a crowned button with a bifurcated shank 3 projecting from its center. The shank 3 may comprise two arms or legs Il and 5 struck up from sheet-metal in stripV form and folded or bent to provide a cross-member 6 which is soldered or otherwise attached to the back of the button-like head 2. The legs 4 and 5 of the shank may be of ornamental contour with outwardly-v curved marginal edges and circular portions 'I at their upper ends. The legs 4 and 5 maybe of convex form on their outer faces throughout a portion of their length and atted on the sides at 8 towards their circular ends 'I'.

The rockable head II) of the cuff-link may take Idifferent forms, being herein shownas of' tubular construction and rectangular in cross-section, see Figs. 2 and 3. In other instances, however, the r'ockable head Il) may be part cylindrical or circular in cross-section and of ovate shape as viewed from the side. As herein illustrated the head Il is in the form of a flat-sided hollow bar within which a close-fitting tubular locking element I2 of similar shape' is slidably mounted; Referring to Fig. 4, the head III is provided with circular openings II on its opposite sides for receiving a transverse pivot-pin I5 which extends between the opposite legsA and 5 of the bifurcated shank 3. The pivot-'pin I5 may be fixedly secured in square holes in the legs 4 and 5 of the shank 3 by soldering, riveting or any other suitable means.

The inner tubular locking element I2 is slidable longitudinally within' the head I!)` and provides the means' for rigidly holding the crossmember or head Ill in either one of two positions; that is, extending at right-angles or perpendicular to the shank 3, or disposed in alinement there with when it is rocked in either direction to carryV one of its ends downwardly between the opposite legs of the shank.

As has been stated, theV inner slidable locking member I2 is closely fitted within the four sides of the head I but adapted to be manually slid longitudinally thereof by pressure on either of`its ends. For this purpose the ends of the slidable locking element I2" normally project equal distances beyond the ends of the head I0 as shown in Figs. 1, 4, and 6. The nat sides of the locking element I2 are punched or otherwise formed with circular openings I6 and I'I spaced at a distance apart and joined by straight-sided passages or slots I8 bounded by anges I9 and 20 projecting inwardly from the sides thereof. That is to say, the metal between the circular openings I5 and I'I is sheared or split and then bent inwardly at Vtop and bottom to form the flanges I9 and 20 which are contiguous with the edges of the slots I8. By this form of construction the fianges I9 and 20 provide extended bearing faces adapted to engage the fiat faces of the pivotpin I5 when thel slidable locking element I2 is centralized longitudinally of the outer member or head I0, see Fig. 5.

The flanges I9 and v2li also have another particular purpose; that is, to form stops or detents for a pair of block-like plugs or plungers 24 and 25 which are' mounted to slide within the inner tubular locking member I2 on opposite sides of the pivot-pin IE. As shown in Fig. 6, the plungers 2-4- and 25 are urged toward each other by helical springs 26 and 21 held under compression within the lockingr element I2` by means of closure caps 28 and 29 soldered' or otherwise secured within the ends of said' element. As shown more clearly in Figs. 8 and 10, the flanges I9A and 20 may be formed from the metal cut from the sides of the locking element I2 to provide the slots I8, being` bent at right-angles thereto to partiallyV bridge the space therebetween. The flanges I9 and 20 thus provide for extended Contact with the at sides of the pivot-pin i5 to secure a ii'rm, positive locking engagement therewitlri` while reducing wear and increasing the durability' of the parts'.

It has been explained that the pressure of the' springs, 2t. and 2l exerted against the slidable plunger-plugs 2li and 25' causes them to abut against the ends of the flanges ISl and' 20, a slightA space or clearance being left between the inner face ofeach plug and the lateral side of the pivotpin I'.- In other words, the plunger-plugs are not caused to bear against the sides of the pivot-pin I5 for functioning to hold the head I Il in its normal position disposed at right-angles or per.I pendicular to the shank 3. Stated more specilically, it is the engagement of the flat faces of the flanges I9 and 2l]l with the at sides of the pivot-pin I5 which constitutes the locking means for holding the head IIl from turning on the pivot-pin when the head` is either in itsr normal position as vshown in Fig. 6 or rocked into alinement with the shank 3. Inthis way, a rigid positive lock for the head IB is provided by the extended bearing engagement between lthe nanges I9 andv 2li and the square sides. of the pivot-pin I5 to guard against wear and a loose or shackly joint between the headv and theV shank 3.`

To permit rotation or rocking of the head II) on the pivot-pin I5 theV inner locking element I2 tion to withdraw the flanges I9 and 2D on its. sides from engagement with the flat sides of the,

pivot-pin I5 while causing the pinto enter the circular openings IG in thesides of the locking element. Thereafter, the head I il may be rotated about the pivot-pin Ias shown in Fig. 9 tocarry one end down between the legs 4 and 5%. of. the shank 3 into alinementwith thelatter.. As soon as the head. Ill has been, turnedinto alinement` last explained, pressure on the end of the locking"element`|2 is released and the spring 26, which has been tensioned 'under the pressure, will expand to cause the'locking element to slide back into centralized relationship within the head. Under this action the yiianges I9 and 20 will engage against the lateral flat faces of the pivot-pin I5 to'positively lock the head in alinement with the shank 3. It thus will be observed that in whichever position the head I is adjusted it will be locked positively instead of by the pressure of the springs so that accidental turning movement of the head is prevented. Stated another way, the spring-pressed plungerplugs v2li and 25 have no function to hold the head iny locked position on the shank 3 of the cuff-link, their only purpose being to resist the sliding movement of the locking element I2 or to return saidelement into locking engagement with the pivot-pin I5.

After the head II) and shank 3 of the cuff-link have been inserted through the button-holes in the sides of the cuff it is only necessary to again press on one end of the locking member I2 to release the flanges I9 and 20 from engagement with the flat sides of thepivot-pin I5 to allow the head to be turnedross-wise of the shank and positively locked in this relationship for holding the sides of the cui in connection. This operation of releasing the locking means and turning the head crosswise of the shank of the cuff-link may be accomplished by one motion of the finger; that is, vby simply pressing against one end of the locking element and at the same time carrying the fingers toward the xed head 2 to turn the head on its pivot.

It will be observed from the foregoing description and by reference to the accompanying drawing that the present invention provides an extremly simple yet efcient cuff-link or cuff-button which is convenient to adjust for inserting it through and withdrawing it from the buttonholes of a cuff. It has been explained that the rockable head of the cuff-link is locked in either one of its two positions by positively-acting means Without dependence upon spring pressure against the locking means for holding it engaged. That is to say, the iiat sides of the pivot-pin are engaged positively by the iianges I9 and20 at the edges of the slots' I8 in the locking element I2 and the engaging faces are extended to provide a rm, rigid lock for the head I0. Consequently, insurance against wear is attained and loose, shackly' joints in the pivotal connection between the head and the shank of the cuff-link prevented, while guarding against accidental turning of the head. The springs in the head are employed solely for locating the locking element centrally of the -head with-the iianges bordering n its slots in locking engagement with the sides of the pivot-pin without functioning to apply pressure to the locking means. Even though the locking element may be displaced slightly by striking against another object it willnot release the lock, a very considerable movement of the locking element being necessary to accomplish this purpose. The present improved locking means is therefore much more dependable in action and less liable to derangement or getting out of order than previous devices heretofore used, besides providing for most convenient manipulation of the head of the cuff-link in applying it to use.

While the invention is herein shown as embodied in a preferred form of construction, it is and a locking element slidably mounted on the head and formed with a slot engageable with the flat sides of the pivot-pin to prevent the head from rocking, said locking element having a substantially circular opening communicating with its slot and adapted to be carried into register with said pivot-pin by sliding said element to perinit the head tobe rocked.

2. A cuff-link or button having a shank, a rockable head, a pivot-pin for rockably mounting the head on the shank, said pivot-pin having flat faces on its sides, and a locking element slidabiy mounted relatively to the head and formed with a slot engageable with the flat sides of the pivotpin to prevent the head from rocking on the shank, said locking element having a substantially circular opening communicating with the end of' its slot and adapted to be carried into register with said pivot-pin when said element is slid to disengage its slot from the fiat sides of thel pin whereby the head may be rocked on the shank. v

3; Av cuff-link or button having a bifurcated shank, a pivot-pin extending between the bifurcations of the shank and formed with flat faces on its sides, a rockable head having a circular opening for pivotally mounting said head on the pivot-pin, and a locking element slidable relatively of the head and formed with a slot engageable with the flat sides of the pivot-pin to restrain the head from rocking thereon, said locking element having a circular opening communicating with its slot and shiftable into register with the pivot-pin by sliding the element to permit the head to rock on the'shank.

4. A cuff-link or button provided with a bif-urcated shank, a pivot-pin of rectangular cross-section extending between the bifurcations of the shank and secured thereto at its ends, a head having a circular opening surrounding the pivotpin to adapt the head to rock thereon, a locking element slidable longitudinally of the head and formed with a slot engageable with the at sides of the pivot-pin to restrain the head from rocking thereon, said locking element having a circular opening communicating with its slot and shiftable into position enclosing the pivot-pin by slidingk the element to permit the head to rock on the pin, and resilient means for normally maintaining said locking element in position with its slot engaging the flat sides of the pivot-pin.

5. A cuff-link comprising a relatively xed head having a bifurcated shank projecting therefrom, a pivot-pin of polygonal cross-section having flat faces on its sides, said pin extending between the bifurcations of the shank with its ends fixedly secured thereto, a head of tubular form having circular openings in its sides for rockably mounting it on the pivot-pin, a manually-operable locking element slidable in the head and formed with a central straight-sided slot engageable with the opposite flat sides of the pivot-pin to lock-the head from turning on the pin, said slidable locking element having a circular opening at the end of its slot for receiving the pivot-pin to adapt the head to rock on the pin, and resilient means for normally maintaining said slidable element in position with Vits slot engagingv the at sides of the pivot-pin.

6. A cuilink comprising a bifurcated shank, a pivot-pin of polygonal cross-secton extending between the bifurcations of the shank with its ends secured thereto, a movable head of hollow construction provided with circular openings in its sides for mounting it to rock on the pin, a manually-operable locking element slidable longitudinally within the hollow head and formed with a longitudinal slot engageable with the` opposite flat sides of the pivot-pin to hold the head from rocking, said locking element having a pair of circular openings communicating with the ends of the slot to adapt one or the other to be shifted into register with the pivot-pin by sliding said elementwhereby to permit the head to rock about thepin, and resilient means Yfor normally maintaining' said locking element in mid position with its slot engaged with the flat faces of the pivotpin to prevent rocking of the head about the pin.

'7; A cui-link or button of the type indicated comprising a bifurcated shank, a pivot-pin of rectangular cross-section extending between the bifurcations of the shank, a head mounted on the pin to rock about the axis thereof, a locking element slidable longitudinally or the rockable head and provided with a slot for engagement with the flat sides of the pivot-pin to lock said head from rocking, said locking element having a circular ,l

opening communicating with its slot and adapted to be shifted into position enclosing the pivotpin when the locking element is slid on the head whereby to permit the head to rock, and means for normally maintaining the locking element in position with the sides of its slot engaging the flat sides of the pivot-pin.

8. A cuff-link or button comprising a bifurcated shank, a pivot-pin of rectangular crosssection extending between the bifurcations of the Y shank, a tubular head of rectangular cross-section having circular openings in its sides enclosing the pivot-pin to adapt the head to rock on the pin, a locking element slidable within the head and provided with a slot engageable withA the flat sides of the pivot-pin to lock the head from rocking thereon, said locking element having a circular opening shiftable into a position enclosing the pivot-pin to release the locking engagement ci the slot therewith and permit the head to rock, a spring in said locking element, and a plunger slidable in the element under the tension of the spring to normally maintain the lockingv element with its slot engaging the flat sides of the pin to lock the head from rocking.

9. A cuff-link or button of the type indicated having a bifurcated shank, a pivot-pin of rectangular cross-section extending between the bifurcations of the shank, a tubular head of rectangular cross-section having circular openings` in its sides for mounting it on the pin to adapt it to. rock into alinement with the shank, a tubular locking element of rectangular cross-section slid- 'able in the tubular head and having a central slot with flanges on its sides engageable with the nat` sides of the pivot-pin to restrain the headV from rocking thereon, said locking element having circular openings communicating with the endsv ofv its slot to adapt one or the other of said openings to be shifted into position to permit the head to rock on the pivot-pin, and springs for normally maintaining the locking element in position with the flanges on the sides of its slot engaging the sides of the pivot-pin.

10. A cuff-link or button having a bifurcated shank, a pivot-pin of rectangular cross-section extending between the bifurcations of the shank, a hollow head formed with circular openings in its sides through which the pvot-pin projects to rockably mount the head on the shank, a locking element slidable within the head and having a central slot engageable with the at sides of the pivot-pin yto lock the head from rocking thereon, said locking element having one or more circular openings communicating with the end of the slot and adapted'to be shifted into position to enclose the pivot-pin when the locking element is slid in one direction or the other whereby to unlock the head and allow it to rock on the pivot-pin, and resilient means for normally maintaining said locking element with its slot in engagement with the hat sides of the pivot-pin.

ll. A cuff-link or button having a bifurcated shank, a pivot-pin extending between the bifur cations of the shank and formed with flat faces on its sides, a tubular head having circular openings in its sides for pivotally mounting the head to rock on the pivot-pin between the bifurcations of the shank, a locking element of tubular form slidable in the headv and formed with slots in its sides with anges projecting inwardly therefrom for engagement with flat sides of the pivot-pin to restrain the head from rocking on the pivot-pin, circular openings at the ends of the. slots communicating therewith. to adapt them to be shifted into position enclosing the pivot-pin to permit the head to rock thereon, plungers `slidable in the locking element, and springs in the locking element for sliding the plungers to engage them with v the ends of the anges at the sides of its slots to hold said plunger from engagement with the pivot-pin, said springs being yieldable to permit the locking element to be slid in either direction to release the flanges from the flat faces on the pivot-pin.

CARL I. OSTERBERG.

No references cited. 

